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The potential for fencing to be used as low-cost solar photovoltaic racking.
- Source :
-
Solar Energy . Mar2023, Vol. 253, p30-46. 17p. - Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- • Retrofitting animal fencing for dual use for vertical-mounted monofacial PV racking. • Python-based Open Source Wind Load Calculator used for viability throughout the U.S. • Base shear force mapped for all fences for wind loads from 80 mph to 150. • Agrivoltaic system potential that as little as $0.035/kWh for racking on existing fencing. • Racking cost savings make fence-retrofit agrivoltaics a promising new technology. Popular agrivoltaic systems use photovoltaic (PV) farms for pasture grazing animals. In general, these agrivoltaic systems do not reduce the capital cost of a PV farm and in some cases can increase it. To overcome this challenge this study investigates the potential for retrofitting existing animal fencing on farms to have dual use for vertical-mounted monofacial PV racking. Specifically, this study catalogs types of fences and wind load calculations classified under Risk Category I are run through a new python-based Open Source Wind Load Calculator to determine the viability of fence-based racking throughout the U.S. The base shear force for all the fences are calculated for a range of wind loads from 80mph to 150mph (129 km/h to 241 km/h) and the results are mapped to indicate the number of PV modules between the vertical fence poles a fence can tolerate in a specific location. The results show the required fence type including post and battens in a given area for sheep, goats, pigs, cows, and alpaca to be used for agrivoltaics. Overall, at least one PV module between posts is acceptable indicating a new agrivoltaic system potential that as little as $0.035/kWh for racking on existing fencing. Although the yield for a vertical PV can range from 20 to 76 % of an optimized tilt angle depending on azimuth, the racking cost savings enable fence-retrofit agrivoltaics to often produce lower levelized cost electricity. Future work is necessary to determine the full scope of benefits of vertical PV agricultural fencing on a global scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0038092X
- Volume :
- 253
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Solar Energy
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 162436683
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2023.02.018